Daniel Roy Carter, 49, of Port Charlotte, was adjudicated guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of probation, for Trafficking in Amphetamine 28 grams – 200 grams. He was also sentenced to 5 years in prison for Transportation of Drug Paraphernalia. The charges are to be served concurrently. He was also given a $100,000 fine. He must also pay court costs and the cost of prosecution.
Carter made a plea straight to the court. A defendant can give up their right to a jury trial and plea to the court for sentencing. This is not a plea agreement.
He was arrested by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office on July 26, 2020, following a traffic stop. The defendant was driving a large rental van and was speeding on I-75 and then rolled through a stop sign. The traffic stop was conducted and during a search of the van, baggies were found containing methamphetamine. He was then taken into custody.
Assistant State Attorney Scott Patterson and Assistant State Attorney Alexa Lipham prosecuted the case.